On Saturday and Sunday, May 30‑31, the Long Beach Convention Center will host North America’s largest consumer scuba diving expo,the Scuba Show, now under UK‑based Rork Media. The two‑day event will feature more than 300 exhibitors, a try‑dive pool, and a new virtual reality wreck‑diving zone, drawing an estimated 7,000 visitors.

Rork Media’s 39‑Year‑Old Legacy Begins in Long Beach

According to the source, the Scuba Show has been held for 39 years and is now owned by Rork Media, a company co‑founded by Ross Arnold and Mark Evans. The report says that Mark Young, who previously ran California Diving News, handed the show to Rork Media last year. Rork Media already operates shows in the UK and Sydney and plans to add an East Coast event in Atlantic City.

More Than 300 Exhibitors Showcase Gear, Destinations, and Conservation

The source reports that the expo will feature over 300 exhibitors presenting the latest scuba gear, dive destinations,underwater photography equipment, training programs, and ocean conservation initiatives. Tickets start at $33 for a single day, with children under 16 admitted free. The event’s schedule runs from 9:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Saturday and 9:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Sunday.

Try‑Dive Pool and Virtual Reality Wreck‑Diving Zone Offer Hands‑On Experiences

According to the report, the Try‑Dive Pool allows visitors to experience diving in a safe, controlled environment, with all equipment provided. a new feature this year, as noted by Mark Evans, is a virtual reality wreck‑diving zone where attendees can explore the historic Mars shipwreck in Sweden without getting wet. The source says the VR experience is a “new element” that adds excitement to the long‑running show.

Industry Experts and Hollywood Stunt Performers Share Their Stories

The source says that attendees will hear from scuba experts such as Chris Lemons, who survived a 2021 North Sea diving accident, and Hollywood stunt performer Liza Parkinson,known for work on films like Avatar: The Way of Water. These speakers are part of the show’s seminas and workshops, which the organizers describe as “expert presentations and activities for all ages.”

Who Will Attend and What’s Still Unknown?

The report estimates nearly 7,000 people will attend the weekend,but it does not specify the demographic breakdown of attendees or how many will participate in the VR zone versus the try‑dive pool. it also leaves unanswered whether the new ownership will change the show’s focus on ocean conservation or alter its pricing structure in future years.